France and Germany will raise the issue
France and Germany have renewed calls for the European Union to speed up and improve its foreign and security policy decision‑making, citing Hungary’s repeated vetoes under former prime minister Viktor Orbán as a catalyst for reform. The proposal urges a streamlined voting process and stronger coordination among member states to prevent deadlock.
Why Hungary's Vetoes Are Shaking EU Diplomacy
France’s foreign minister, Jean‑Marc Ayrault, and Germany’s counterpart, Annalena Baerbock, argue that the EU must cut the time needed to adopt diplomatic measures. They say the current unanimity rule lets a single state stall progress, as seen with Hungary’s repeated vetoes.
Orbán’s government has blocked several key initiatives, from sanctions on Russia to aid for Ukraine, forcing the bloc to negotiate compromises that weaken its stance. The repeated delays have raised concerns among allies about the EU’s ability to act decisively.
The European Commission has drafted a plan to replace unanimity with qualified majority voting for most foreign policy decisions. Officials say the shift could cut approval time from months to weeks, enhancing the EU’s diplomatic agility.
Some member states, including Hungary, warn that changing the voting rule could diminish national sovereignty and lead to majority domination. They argue any reform must protect smaller states from being outvoted.
France and Germany will raise the issue at the next EU summit, urging a faster decision‑making framework before the upcoming election.
The Commission proposes replacing unanimity with qualified
If the EU adopts quicker decision‑making, it could respond more effectively to crises, strengthen its global standing, and reduce reliance on national vetoes. However, achieving consensus remains challenging, and the reform path may take years.
What prompted France and Germany to call for faster EU decision‑making?
France and Germany say Hungary’s repeated vetoes under Viktor Orbán have stalled key diplomatic moves, creating urgency for a more efficient process. They argue that the current unanimity rule makes the EU slow and ineffective in crises.
How has Hungary’s veto power influenced recent EU foreign policy actions?
Hungary has blocked sanctions on Russia and aid to Ukraine, forcing the EU to negotiate softer measures and delaying decisive action. These vetoes have weakened the bloc’s credibility and cohesion among member states.
What specific reforms are being considered to speed up decisions?
The Commission proposes replacing unanimity with qualified majority voting for most foreign policy matters, and exploring a faster agenda‑setting mechanism. Both aim to cut approval time from months to weeks, improving the EU’s diplomatic responsiveness.